SUNDAY: Sketch The Newtown Creek Nature Walk

Sunday November 15, 2015

Let's call it the back-side of Urban Sketching.    

The Newtown Creek Nature Walk is "an unusually honest space 

in which to contemplate the nature of our city and our civilization." 

 (click to see NY Times Review - The Ironic Nature Walk from 2009 - 

THE HYPE
The Newtown Creek Nature Walk, a quarter–mile public walkway along Newtown Creek, is situated serenely between industrial and natural areas. The landscape features indigenous trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers and boulders that re-imagine this open space as a vibrant intersection, where multiple histories, cultural identities and geologic epochs coexist.
Visitors are inspired to ponder the various eras of Newtown Creek, from its inhabitance by the Lenape people before the arrival of Europeans, to the thriving cooperage, ship-making and lumber industries of 18th and 19th century Greenpoint. The Nature Walk affords the public its first opportunity in decades to enjoy intimate views of Newtown Creek and to enjoy the local environment and history of the waterfront. is situated serenely between industrial and natural areas.
The landscape features indigenous trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers and boulders that re-imagine this open space as a vibrant intersection, where multiple histories, cultural identities and geologic epochs coexist. Visitors are inspired to ponder the various eras of Newtown Creek, from its inhabitance by the Lenape people before the arrival of Europeans, to the thriving cooperage, ship-making and lumber industries of 18th and 19th century Greenpoint.
The Nature Walk affords the public its first opportunity in decades to enjoy intimate views of Newtown Creek and to enjoy the local environment and history of the waterfront.

THE LOWDOWN - What to Really Expect
1)  "Nature" walk might be a bit of a misnomer, but it's certainly an interesting place with a very cool conceptual stairway that tapers down into the creek's water. But be careful. Newtown Creek is an environmental disaster and is a designated superfund site. In the mid 1800s, the creek was "one of the busiest hubs of industrial activity in New York City. More than 50 refineries were located along its banks, including oil refineries, petrochemical plants, fertilizer and glue factories, sawmills, and lumber and coal yards." Yikes. But I'd say this place is still worth a visit if only for the historic curiosity factor and to show support for what a greener, cleaner and "natural" creek could someday be like - Written by Matt B. LIC

2)  This is not a park, and calling it "nature walk" is a stretch. Don't expect a lush oasis where you can get away from it all. It's firmly rooted in its gross, smelly, industrial origins. There seems to be a junkyard and large barges nearby. It's not the prettiest, but there's something life-affirming about a little stretch of plants and rocks adorning a hideous area. I guess planting shrubs on a superfund site could be a metaphor for life, or something. Testament to the human spirit and all that. Written by Magdalena T. Bklyn.

DETAILS:
Where: The Newtown Creek Nature Walk

When:  Meet at 11 AM on Sunday at the entrance to the Nature Walk at  Paidge Avenue off Provost Street.  If you're delay - enter the park we'll be sketching inside.

Lunch:  We'll be spending the day - four hours sketching.  There are no food concessions nearby, bring a bite to eat.

Show and Tell:  3:00 we will walking to Esme, 999 Manhattan Ave (between Huron and Green Sts), to share drawings, good stories and a beer or wine if you're so inclined.

How:
-  Coming from Manhattan you can get the G train by transferring from the E or M train at Court Square.
-  Take the G train to Greenpoint Avenue. Use the Greenpoint/Manhattan Avenue exit.
-  With the McDonald's on your left, walk along Greenpoint Avenue one long block east and cross McGuinnes Boulevard.
-  Continue on Greenpoint Avenue to the next traffic light and make a left on Provost Street.
-  Walk eight blocks north (to the end).
-  Make a right on Paidge Avenue where the Nature Walk begins. (It's about a 12 minute walk).

NOTES:
  -  Unfortunately there are no bathrooms
  -  If you have a chair or stool - definitely bring it.
  -  Dress warm - in layers.
  -  Take a hat - there's not much shade. Forecast says Sunny reaching 60 degrees.

Click to Enlarge

If you can’t find us 

call or text Mark at 973-809-9128

There are no fees or attendance taken. All drawing skill levels are welcome.